Meet Stephanie Mazzanti of Restore Psychotherapy and Yoga in Glenview

Stephanie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I knew I wanted to hear people’s stories starting back in high school when I worked as a shampoo girl listening to ladies vent what was on their minds. I attended UIC and then Roosevelt for my graduate work. While in graduate school I lost both my parents. I found yoga as a practice myself and it held me together while working hard in my graduate program during such a difficult time in my life. I started to read psychology articles stating the benefits of yoga and had experienced them firsthand myself, so I enrolled in yoga teaching training right away. I now see clients in my private practice in Glenview as well as provide therapy and yoga for the physicians and nurses at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I integrate yoga into my therapeutic work for clients who are open to tackling stress from the mind and from the body. I am currently in the middle of a sex therapy program through the University of Michigan to offer services to people needing help with low libido, vaginismus, pelvic floor pain, or clients in the LGBT community. Yoga not only helps with issues of general anxiety, PTSD and depression but sexual issues as well. Couples who are treating for sexual concerns can connect not just through talk therapy but through partner yoga as well. I love what I do and feel extremely privileged to help others create meaning in their lives and in their relationships. Relationships are a huge part of life. I want to help people feel fulfilled and present in their life and their relationships. I use mindfulness, attachment theory, and the latest findings in interpersonal neurobiology to promote healing within the self and relationships.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is always a smooth road once I am in the room with a client helping them navigate life changes. What has not always been so smooth is all of the technicalities that go into a starting and running a business. I am horrible at setting up websites and things like SEO/marketing. Most of my clients hear about me from word of mouth, and I am learning to ask for help in the areas I am lacking knowledge instead of trying to figure it all out myself.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Restore Psychotherapy and Yoga – what should we know?
I am a therapist. I help people walk through times of change in their lives, stress, relationship issues with partners and family, sexual concerns, depression, bipolar, or anyone wanting to feel more present or fulfilled in their lives. We can become so busy that we run through life mindlessly until we pause and think- wait is this job really how I want to be spending my time? Am I happy in this relationship? What do I do now that the kids are off away to college? I feel very proud to have created a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings. What sets me apart from other therapists is that I am very real. I have had my clients tell me, it feels like I am talking with a friend who has their psychology degree. I will challenge my clients at times- don’t get me wrong therapy does not always feel comfortable, but I am right alongside them reminding them they can get through it.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would have to say knowledge and at the same time never feeling like you know it all. You absolutely need to know what you are doing and do it well, but an open attitude towards feedback and growth is essential. I have had amazing supervisors throughout my career to push and challenge me to become the clinician I am today.